Morocco striker Tawfik Bentayeb cleared to join squad but ruled out of Gabon match

Tawfik Bentayeb has been given permission by Anderlecht to join Morocco’s squad despite suffering a facial injury in the Belgian league, but he will miss the Atlas Lions’ opening match against Gabon.

The 24-year-old striker was substituted in the 55th minute of Anderlecht’s 3-0 victory over Zulte Waregem on Saturday, during the seventh round of the Jupiler Pro League. He had already scored once and provided an assist before being forced off.

Bentayeb was struck in the face during an accidental collision with Laurent Lemoine as he attempted to deliver his assist. Anderlecht said he would be able to join up with Morocco, but added that he would not be available for the meeting with Gabon because medical protocol requires him to stay away from competitive football for at least one week.

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi selected Bentayeb for the forthcoming fixtures against Gabon in Rabat on 25 September, Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on 29 September, and Ghana in Tangier on 4 October.

The forward moved to Belgium a month ago after an impressive loan spell at Troyes. He finished as Ligue 2’s leading scorer last season with 18 goals and has since registered two assists and one goal in all competitions this campaign.

Bentayeb has made one appearance for Morocco so far. His international debut came on 26 May in a 5-0 friendly win against Burundi, when he scored once and supplied two assists.

He will therefore remain part of Ouahbi’s preparations for the wider international window, although his absence against Gabon means he will have to wait for another opportunity to add to his sole cap.